The Durability, Sustainability & Energy Efficiency of Solar Reflective Elastomeric Roof Coatings vs. Traditional Built Up Asphalt Roofing

More than ever before, homeowners are faced with tough decisions when it comes to home improvements balancing cost, value and the environment.

When addressing flat roofing issues, homeowners should consider durability and sustainability when evaluating roofing system costs. The installation methods and materials surrounding traditional built up asphalt roofing have changed little in over a century. Advances in white solar reflective elastomeric roof coating over the past 15 years have resulted in a durable roofing system that addresses the need for energy-efficient roofing. These roof coatings provide three key benefits- durability, sustainability and energy efficient solar reflectivity. When combined, these three benefits can provide homeowners value, protection and reduced energy costs.

When evaluating roofing solutions, the homeowner should take into consideration what the roofing system will deliver in terms of real and lasting value. In other words, the roofing system chosen should be durable and not have to be replaced again and again. This principal of durability and value provides relief for the environment as well as the pocketbook. When high quality white solar reflective elastomeric roof coating products are applied correctly, they provide a protective barrier that can stand up to some of the harshest elements and last for years with proper care. When maintained properly; the service life of a coated roof can last for many years. With the proper installation and maintenance all that is required to extend the life of a white solar reflective roof coating is periodic cleaning and an additional coating application as per the manufacture’s recommendations.

When compared to white elastomeric solar reflective roofing systems, the installation of built up asphalt roofs is an energy consuming process that results in a roof that has a relatively short service life of 8-10 years. It is estimated that 7% to 10% of landfills are comprised of roofing waste due to the fact that traditional built up asphalt roofing is not sustainable and requires frequent replacement. Asphalt roofing contributes to atmospheric air pollution in the form of both toxic and green-house gases produced during installation and “out-gassing” over the life of the roof. Because solar reflective roof coating systems only require additional coats to extend their life once the initial system is in place, they help reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills associated with traditional roofing tear-off.

Reflective roof coatings act like mirrors, reflecting the sun's radiant energy back into space. When first applied, solar reflective roof coatings can provide a solar reflectance of up to 80%, which means that only 20% of the sun's energy is being absorbed as heat. Conventional built up asphalt roofing typically reflect only about 25% of sunlight. This is because they are typically covered with a gray aggregate (mineral) with a rough texture and a black substrate which allows considerable heat absorption. The solar reflectivity of the white elastomeric roof coatings can reduce the surface temperatures 55 – 75 F when applied over flat built up asphalt roof surfaces. The roof surface temperature reduction associated with white elastomeric roof coatings equate to lower cooling costs to homeowners and promote the life of the roof. Pairing energy savings with durability make elastomeric solar reflective roofing systems an environmentally friendly and sustainable roofing solution.

The advances in white solar reflective elastomeric roof coating technology over the past two decades have resulted in a durable roofing solution that addresses the need for energy-efficient roofing and durable roofing solutions.

Quinones Design/Build provides an energy efficient and durable roofing solutions. Call Quinones Design/Build today to schedule a free Solar Reflective Roofing System consultation and estimate
575-524-4646 or E-mail: jake@quinoneshomes.com

Las Cruces' Roof Coating Experts: Beat the Heat of Southern New Mexico

Keep Cooling Costs Down - Combining Proper Attic Ventilation with Solar Reflective Rood Coatings

Southern New Mexico’s summer heat presents homeowners with unique challenges when dealing with cooling their homes, keeping energy costs down and extending roof life. Installing both the proper attic space ventilation and a solar reflective roof coating can provide many benefits to reduce attic temperatures, reduce cooling costs, and extend the life of the roof.

All too often, attic space ventilation is overlooked and often ignored as a place for potential energy savings. Air trapped in the attic can easily reach 150˚, or more, during Southern New Mexico’s peak summer months. Uncirculated hot air in the attic space radiates heat into the home’s interior; this causes the heating and cooling systems to work harder and translates into higher energy costs year round. A recent survey found that close to 90% of all existing homes in the U.S. were not equipped with proper attic space ventilation. The older the home the more likely that home was not equipped with the proper attic space ventilation. Aside from increasing cooling costs; an improperly vented attic space can lead to very costly and damaging effects. Excessive heat buildup can cause a warping or buckling of the roof sheathing, cause premature failure of roof shingles (or the asphalt roofing materials of a flat roof) and decrease the service life of the roof. Proper attic space ventilation can help to reduce moisture. Trapped moisture can cause wood rot, paint blisters, roofing bubbles, reduction of insulation R-value, and mold colonization. Attic space ventilation can be accomplished by gravity ventilators, wind assisted ventilators and/or power ventilators. Regardless of the method used to vent, the purpose is to provide uniform ventilation of the attic for temperature and moisture control. For the comparatively small investment to ventilate the attic space properly, homeowners can save on costly repairs and reduce cooling costs.

Reflective roof coatings act like mirrors, reflecting the sun's radiant energy back into space. When first applied, solar reflective roof coatings can provide a solar reflectance of up to 80%, which means that only 20% of the sun's energy is being absorbed as heat. Conventional built up asphalt roofing typically reflect only about 25% of sunlight. This is because they are typically covered with a gray aggregate (mineral) with a rough texture and a black substrate which allows considerable heat absorption. The solar reflectivity of the white elastomeric roof coatings can reduce the surface temperatures 55 – 75 F when applied over flat built up asphalt roof surfaces. The roof surface temperature reduction associated with white elastomeric roof coatings equate to lower cooling costs to homeowners and promote the life of the roof. Pairing energy savings with durability make elastomeric solar reflective roofing systems an environmentally friendly and sustainable roofing solution.

From reducing cooling costs to extending the life of the roof, the proper attic space ventilation combined with a solar reflective roof coating provides homeowners with a practical solution when dealing with Southern New Mexico’s hot summers.
Contact Quinones Design/Build for a free Attic Space Ventilation and Solar Reflective Roofing System consultation.

Stay Tuned as Quinones Design/Build provides more information on energy saving home solutions.

Special Projects: Quinones Design/Build Installs Solar Reflective Coating on Jeep Rubicon Roof

Recently, Quinones Design/Build enjoyed a first in our long history of solar reflective roof coating installation. This week we applied a coating on the roof of a Jeep Rubicon. Advances in white solar reflective elastomeric roof coating over the last decade have resulted in a durable roofing system that addresses the need for energy-efficient roofing. These roof coatings provide three key benefits- durability, sustainability and energy efficient solar reflectivity. When combined, these three benefits can provide value, protection and reduced energy costs.



The owner of the Jeep Rubicon complained that the air conditioner could not keep up with the heat radiating into the vehicle from the black hardtop. We applied a ceramic sphere infused elastomeric coating to help act as a thermal barrier in addition to providing solar reflectivity.



The results were apparent after the newly coated roof was left in the sun for two hours--the unpainted black pillars were extremely hot to the touch while the white roof remained cool. In the coming days the Jeep Rubicon owner reported that the temperature in the truck was easily controlled and the air-conditioner was working considerably less.



Scope of Work for Vehicle Roof Solar Reflective Elastomeric Coating:
-Sanding, cleaning and prep of roof coating area
-Line masking and plastic covering of vehicle
-Application of (1) coat elastomeric primer
-Application of (6) coats of solar reflective elastomeric coating (ceramic sphere infused)
-24 Hour cure time prior to vehicle use

Roof Surface Temperature Comparison Chart: CLICK HERE



From reducing cooling costs to extending the life of the roof, solar reflective roof coatings provide homeowners (and drivers) with a practical solution when dealing with Southern New Mexico’s hot summers.

Contact Quinones Design/Build for a free Solar Reflective Roofing System consultation. Stay Tuned as Quinones Design/Build features the latest energy saving projects.

Las Cruces Remodeling, Roofing & Home Renovation Experts- Quinones Design/Build

Las Cruces Remodeling & Roofing Contractor- 37 Years of Proven Quality

When you choose Quinones Design/Build to handle your home improvement project, you can expect the following:

-The quality, experience and craftsmanship you would expect from a professional contractor.

-Company licensing and insurance

-References

-We will be on time for every appointment

-We will return your phone calls and emails within 24 hours

-Clear project specifications and a fixed price quote

-A firm project completion date (weather permitting)

-While on your property, we will be respectful to you and your neighbors; our workers will be supervised daily.

-At the close of each work day, we will leave your property clean and free of safety hazards.

-Above all, we will have great communication with you throughout this process and keep you updated on the status of your project.

For 37 years we have specialized in turning our customer’s dreams into reality. Quinones Design/Build has earned a reputation for providing innovative designs, excellent service and quality craftsmanship, from initial planning through final completion of our projects. Our designer will work with you to create a plan that reflects your vision.

The art of renovation is combining the new with the old in an aesthetically pleasing manner. We believe the satisfaction of our customers is the best proof of our commitment to service, our dedication to quality and our promise of value. Each property is treated as if it was one of our own.

To learn more about our Las Cruces remodeling and roofing services please contact us at 524-4646.

Las Cruces, New Mexico: The Best Place To Live and Retire in the Southwest

Number 6 on US News & World Report's 2010 "10 Cities for Real Estate Steals."
According to the magazine, the housing market in Las Cruces, N.M., has become increasingly undervalued in recent years when compared with historical averages. Growing affordability is one reason for the increase in home sales in the area.

Number 19 on Sunset Magazines "20 Best Towns of the Future."
Las Cruces made the list thanks to its proximity to Spaceport America

One of AARP's 2010 "Best Places to Retire"
Previously selected by AARP Magazine as one of America's "Dream Towns" for seniors, Las Cruces is set at the foot of the Organ Mountains and enjoys a relatively mild climate and picturesque landscape. Although it is New Mexico's second most populous city, residents describe the small-town feel, relaxed pace and affordable prices.

One of Kaboom.org’s most “Playful City USA” - 2009
Playful City USA is a national recognition program honoring cities and towns across the nation committed to taking action for play.

One of Inc. Magazine’s 2007 Boomtowns
Las Cruces was ranked 15 out of 400 US deemed boomtowns. The ranking is based on job growth and the strength of the local economy.

One of AARP’s 2006 “Dream Towns” to retire
Las Cruces topped AARP’s first list of great places to retire based on factors such as: the cheapest states to live in as a retiree (based on income, property, and sales taxes), weather, recreational opportunities and livability (access to health care and transportation).

One of the Best College Towns to Retire - Money Magazine November 2005
For the second time in four years, Las Cruces made one of Money’s lists of best places to retire; this time as a college town. The article cited several factors, including Las Cruces’ great weather, amazing views, cultural scene and low cost of living. Click to read story

Top 50 Motorcoach Destinations in the United States - American Bus Association, 2004 & 2005
Motorcoach charter and tour operators were given a list of cities and asked to rank them according to where they think they will be traveling to or through in 2005.

Top 10 Cities for Hispanics to Live - Hispanic Magazine, 2002 & 2003
The Las Cruces/El Paso area was ranked the fifth best city for Hispanics to live. The ranking was based on the percentage of Hispanics in the city, political representation, whether you can speak Spanish without feeling like a foreigner, and the vibrancy and “hipness” of the Latin cultural scene.

Best Small Metro Area for Business and Careers - Forbes/Milken Institute, 2002, 2003, 2004 & 2005
Las Cruces has ranked in the top 5 for the last several years on Forbes’ list of “Best Small Metro Area for Business and Careers,” including a #1 ranking in 2002 and #2 ranking in 2005. The rankings were based on “job growth, earned income, and “a measure of activity in critical technologies that foster future growth.”

Best Place to Live - Family Digest, Fall 2002
Las Cruces ranked the highest among 300 cities/destinations evaluated in a number of areas determined to be important to families, including: crime rate, housing costs, income, pre-college education productivity, family friendliness, weather and affordability.

One of the Best Places to Retire - Money Magazine, June 2002
The article cited several factors, including Las Cruces’ great weather, amazing views, cultural scene, low cost of living and the country’s best Mexican food and, according to the article, possibly the hottest chile in the U.S.A. The article indicated Las Cruces’ warm climate and mild winters were perfect for year-round activities such as tennis, hiking, golf and visiting attractions like the dunes of nearby White Sands National Monument.

Top Destination - Facilities & Destinations Magazine, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007 & 2009
Las Cruces was among 75 cities in the United States selected by the magazine’s readers to receive the annual award recognizing cities for their ability to accommodate groups and conventions.

One of America’s Top 100 Retirement Towns - Where to Retire Magazine, Fall 2001
Las Cruces received praise for its diverse culture, high desert climate, low cost of living, open spaces, and year-round outdoor activities. It was also one of the few towns selected that ranked below the national cost of living average, and had an average new home price under $100,000. Each city considered was assessed on a variety of categories ranging from the availability of medical care, recreational activities, continuing education, and airports, to shopping, dining, cultural and social organizations.

Reflectance of Roof Materials

Material	Solar Reflectance (%)	Temperature of Roof over Air Temperature (°F)
Bright white coating (ceramic, elastomeric) on smooth surface	80%	15°
White membrane	70%-80%	15°-25°
White metal	60%-70%	25°-36°
Bright white coating (ceramic, elastomeric) on rough surface	60%	36°
Bright aluminum coating	55%	51°
Premium white shingle	35%	60°
Generic white shingle	25%	70°
Light brown/gray shingle	20%	75°
Dark red tile	18%-33%	62°-77°
Dark shingle	8%-19%	76°-87°
Black shingle or materials	5%	90°

Source: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and the Florida Solar Energy Center Excerpted from N o-R e g r e t s R e m o d e l i n g by H o m e E n e r g y

Where does Las Cruces, New Mexico Rank for Living Standards?

Las Cruces Rankings:
2010 – Sunset Magazine: “Top 20 Towns of the Future”

2010 – US News & World Report’s: “10 Cities for Real Estate Steals”

2010 – One of AARP’s “Best Places to Retire”

2009 – On Milken Institute’s annual list of "10 Best Performing Cities"

2009 – On Milken Institute’s annual list of "10 Best Performing Small Cities"

2009 – One of Kaboom.org’s most “Playful City”

2007 – Farmers Insurance names Las Cruces “Safest midsized town in the US”

2007 – Inc. Magazine’s: 15^th out of 400 US Boomtowns

2006 – Named number one "Dream Town" to retire in by AARP

2005 – Money Magazine: "Top College City to Retire"

2004 – Inc. Magazine: "Top 25 Cities for Doing Business in America"

2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 – Forbes/Milken Institute: “Best Small Metro Area for Business & Careers”

2002 – Family Digest: “Best Place to Live”

2002 – Money Magazine: “Best Places to Retire”

2001 – Where to Retire Magazine: One of “Americas Top 100 Retirement Towns”

Las Cruces Remodeling Services by Quinones Design/Build

Remodeling Las Cruces with experience..

For years we have specialized in turning our customer’s dreams into reality. Quinones Design/Build has earned a name for providing innovative designs, excellent service and quality craftsmanship, from initial planning through final completion of our remodels. Our designer will work with you to create a plan that reflects your vision. The art of renovation is combining the new with the old in an aesthetically pleasing manner. We believe the satisfaction of our customers is the best proof of our commitment to service, our dedication to quality and our promise of value. Each property is treated as it was one of our own.

Quinones Design/Build attends 2010 International Builders' Show in Las Vegas- Photos by Jake Quinones

The International Builders' Show® (IBS) is the largest annual building industry tradeshow in the country. It's THE place to see and discuss the hottest products on the market and network with your friends and allies. On top of that, IBS offers more than 175 education sessions taught by industry experts.

Quinones Design/Build: Green Roofing Solutions

Features and Benefits of a Quinones Design/Build Installed Solar Reflective Roof Coating

• Reduce roof surface temperatures: 55 – 75 F*, Reducing energy costs
• Prolonged Service Life of underlying roofing system
• Eliminates costly roof tear-off: Reduces Maintenance & Landfills
• Reduces energy consumption of roof top A/C units, due to lowering of attic space and rooftop temperature
• Minimized effects associated with Thermal Shock: Cool rain hitting a hot roof
• Reduced Urban Heat-Island Effect: Decreasing Cooling Demands and Pollutants
• Savings in cost over traditional tear-off and re-roof

* Source: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and the Florida Solar Energy Center